New to Land Rover Questions

[laymanm28]

Hey everyone! My names Marc. I am researching LR3 as a potential replacement vehicle. I currently have a 2006 Saab 9-3. Anyways have some questions regarding LR3's and having trouble finding answers.

My fiance and I test drove a 2008 SE V8 a few days ago. Looks like LR3 will be my next vehicle. Looking at low mileage 07 and 08 model SE V8 with 7 seat LR3's. I have some time as I won't be buying for a couple months but want to thoroughly learn about Land Rovers first. What are the differences between 07 and 08 models? Probably will only purchase a LR certified used model due to extra warranty, brakes and tires. In the past I have had a Wrangler and Cherokee so I know about 4x4 systems and trade offs. I love the air bag for its ride but concerned this is not a vehicle that will last 200,000 miles. Am I wrong?

What should I be looking for when comparing the two model years. Any good web links I can read up on LR3's? Thanks!

 

[kwlr3]

2005 - 2009 model years are virtually identical. The one option that is likely most sited as being especially desirable (for off - roaders anyways) is the Heavy Duty package. It includes the auto locking rear differential and the full size spare tire. Forget trying to add third row seats to a five seater. You can adapt an aftermarket navigation device to the pocket in the dash if your vehicle doesn't have one.

Buy the newest vehicle you can find. Replace the the original Goodyear Wrangler tires. ANYTHING black and round will be an improvement. Check service records to see if the the control arm bushings have been replaced, particularly the lower fronts.

I haven't seen any reports of 200,000 mile vehicles but there are a few 100,000 milers on this site. Will you get 200,000 out of yours? Have you gotten 200,000 out of any other vehicle? It will cost more to get 200,000 out of a LR than it does with a Jeep but it will will reward you with a superior ride while the Jeeps definitely have diminished drivablity at higher miles (rougher engine, sloppy auto shifts, truely stinky interior like an old wet dog). I know this because I have a 2001 Cherokee with 112,000 mikes as the car for my teenage kids. The LR3 is much improved over the old Discovery I and II as far as fit and finish and component quality goes.

Good luck with your search and post soem pictures after you buy.

 

[laymanm28]

Thanks. 7 seat is a must have. Nice to know about the HD option. I will be on the look out for that! Doubt any of these have had bushings replaced none have more than 34k miles on them. Not too worried about Nav as we have Nav on our phones that works great.

Things that are important to me:
1) Towing- All come standard with transmission cooler? Just have to add electrical and hitch correct?
2) 7 Seater- Must as we have a growing family, take lots of trips, and have 2 dogs.
3) Stereo- How do i know if it has upgraded or standard radio?

4) Warranty- is a must. We are particular about maintence

5) Remote Start- Have been told that this can be added by our alarm store. Have one on our Honda Pilot that works great. Will have to give up a key fob. All the LR3 have cold weather package so I might hold off on remote start because of warranty issues.

 

[kingfishgrapeja]

You may do better skipping the CPO markup and going with a Ford ESP warranty or the like. Especially if you can find one that is still under factory warranty. Also 34K is not unheard of for bushing/balljoint/tre replacement especially in states with poor roads. An HSE model should give you all the high end options except the locker...that was still an option for the HSE.

Adaptive Xenons should be sought out and the NAV have some niftly little 4wd and offroad features.
.

 

[laymanm28]

Can you tell me about the Ford ESP Warranty please

 

[laymanm28]

What is the Ford ESP warranty. All vehicles we would consider well under original factory warranty

 

[Rogo]

1) Towing- All come standard with transmission cooler? Just have to add electrical and hitch correct?
.

Yes and a qualified yes. Tranny cooler standard. Electrical is a very easy afternoon to add yourself. The hitch is integrated, you'll just need to buy an adapter that drops below the bumper and has the receiver.

You'll also want to consider an electric brake controller depending on what you tow. Anything over 1500 lbs I think should be braked. The brake controller is very simple plug and play if you get the Ford wiring set up.

 

[laymanm28]

Great to know about the towing! Thanks. I don't need an electric brake at this point. Will only tow a boat with hydraulic brakes.

I forgot about the adaptive headlights on the HSE models. I could only remember the cooler in armrest, upgraded radio, and nav. We we were talking non of those sounded like options we couldn't live without. Nav would be nice but we can live with out it as our smart phones have nav. Adaptive headlights sounds nice though.

Going to the LR dealer today to look again. From what I am reading the CPO and factory warranty do not cover air bags? What about compressor failure? That was a big reason I was considering a CPO in the first place.

 

[laymanm28]

I really plan on doing some close looking at the two models they have there. 07 SE V8 and 08 SE V8 with brush guard/lights. Both are CPO. Both have less than 35k miles.

Also found two low mile 08 SE V8 at a local mercedes dealer for 4k less than the LR CPO 08. If in fact the dealer warranty does not cover air bags or compressor I will seriously consider those as well.

 

[jesus_man]

Pretty sure the CPO is a continuance of the original bumper to bumper warranty, which doesn't cover wearable items like brakes and tires, but should cover the compressor etc.

Another thing to note is the HSE comes standard with 7 seats and from my search were more common than an SE7. Plus you get the good gadgets with the HSE models.

To decide between getting a CPO or non CPO rig you'll really need to compare the vehicles specifically because not all CPO's are equal just as not all used rigs will be equal. We saw two identical rigs, both CPO, from different dealers and the one we bought was clearly freshened up much much better.

Side note; the 2006's do not have Lumbar for some crazy reason. I miss that feature, but the seats are still quite comfortable.

Get the xenon headlights, they are awesome! Mine are supposed to be adaptive (turn with the wheels), while I do not think they do, I am still happy with them. The HD package will be hard to find and not a deal breaker unless you plan to take the LR3 to it's off-road limits.

We got CPO and ended up buying Easy Care along with. Glad we did as we just had a $2000 repair bill covered by a $250 deductible. The LR3 is a tech-packed rig and repairs are expensive so I would recommend getting an extended warranty of some kind. Seems Ford ESP has a lower deductible for about the same price.

And I think the LR3 is a smart purchase, especially used. I think they are a great value for the money.